Top Hells Angels get 20 years in prison

Two high-ranking Hells Angels from Ontario each received 20-year prison sentences for their role in Quebec's biker wars.

Walter Stadnick, 51, and Donald Stockford, 42, were found guilty in June on five charges, including conspiracy to traffic drugs, conspiracy to commit murder and participation in a criminal organization.

The men, both from Hamilton, Ont., were arrested in 2001. Including time already served, Stadnick has 13 years left in his sentence, while Stockford has about 13.5 years.

Both men were part of the Montreal-based Nomads chapter of the Hells Angels. The Nomads were on the front line of the war between the Hells Angels and their rivals, the Bandidos.

According to financial records seized from the Hells Angels, Stadnick and Stockford earned more than $11 million in profits from cocaine and hashish.

Crown prosecutors had asked for a 24-year sentence for each of the men, arguing the sentence should be determined by their ranks in the organization.

Defence lawyer Maureen McGuire had suggested a 13- to 15-year sentence. She argued the sentences should be determined by the crimes for which they were convicted.